Hi everyone, a Christmas message : ) I’m here in Manhattan, working in our clinic for a few days. Rockefeller Plaza is one of my favorite places during Holiday Season. I was here this time a year ago and you could barely move in the crowds of people wanting to enjoy the festive season experience. Right now, I am standing here alone and it’s deserted.

I’m a HUGE fan of New York. Even though I’m from London and have travelled to many cities around the world—nowhere I’ve ever been quite matches the energy levels and thrill, of this amazing city. There’s a reason it’s called the Big Apple and the beating heart of the world. I was last here right before the pandemic hit, and this is sad to see.

With any bad times in life, you will always hear from the doom mongers and naysayers: “It’s all over”, “Things will never be the same”, “We’re done now with our way of life”. New York, and America, has heard it all before after the Great Depression, World War 2, and 9/11. Each time, despite the pain and suffering, there was always a light ahead. Not only that, but it bounced back stronger! I don’t have any doubt we will do so again—and I can’t wait to take a pic in crowds of happy city sightseers, sitting in a packed delicious restaurant with friends and family, or watching a Broadway show. It will happen sooner than you think.

And you know why? It’s not because of our leaders, government, or corporate organizations. It’s not because of politics, money, or power. It’s because of the unconquerable HUMAN SPIRIT, which always finds a way through bad times. Problems lead to finding solutions, and the desire to overcome adversity and seek happier positive times—always wins through in the end.

Remember 100 years ago, lots of the world devastated by World War 1 and the Spanish Flu, was followed by a decade called the ROARING ‘20s.

I wish everyone a very healthy MERRY CHRISTMAS, and here’s to 2021 being the start of much better things…

—Suneel Dhand, MD

Suneel Dhand is a physician, writer, and YouTuber. He is Founder at MedStoic Lifestyle Medicine and DocsDox . Follow him on YouTube and Instagram